Concentrated Solar Power 101: Where the Technology Stands Today

Interview with Kevin B. Smith, CEO of Solar ReserveConcentrated solar power, often referred to as solar thermal, is one of the most promising renewable technologies we have going. Solar thermal plants harness energy from the sun in much the way conventional photovoltaic systems do, but they're also able to store the power they generate -- solving the incessant complaints that solar power only works during the day.

Now, I realize that not everyone's well versed in this technology, which is a key climate solution. Kevin Smith, the CEO of Solar Reserve, one of the worldwide leaders in solar thermal, is here to fix that. I spoke with Smith at this year's Renewable Energy Finance Forum, and he explained everything from the basics of the technology to how concentrated solar will impact the world 50 years from now.